Roll Call Tribute

James Max Cornelius, Jr.
January 2, 1937 - August 20, 2022

James Max Cornelius, Jr. was born January 2nd as the first baby born in the New Year of 1937 in Kingsville, Texas. Max Jr., the son of Max Sr. and Oleta Cornelius was destined to bring love and joy into people's lives for no one loved people more than Max. Even in his passing on August 20, 2022, he continued his journey to bring people together in love as many witnessed in his hospital room.

His friendships were made for a lifetime. Max attended elementary in Kingsville, Junior high in Brownsville and High School in Corpus Christi. After graduating from W.B Ray High School, he attended Texas A & M. Once an Aggie, always an Aggie.

Being a people person, Max excelled at sales. He retired from SC Johnson & Sons after 33 years; he retired again after 23 years with Advantage Sales Marketing.

The magic of destiny was working for Max because on his business trips to Victoria, he met the love of his life, Dee Dee Hawkins. Anyone who knows Max and Dee Dee can see their love is the deep, loyal, devoted, romantic kind that some people search their whole life hoping to find. They were married for 33 wonderful years.

In recent years, as a joke, Max introduced himself as Super Max, but the name fit because he was super to all who knew him and that was no joke. Max enjoyed life to the fullest with many friends made at Dance Clubs, Car Clubs, Stock Clubs, Planet Fitness Workout Group, Domino Groups, Couples Dinner Out Groups and his church activities groups.

Max's family deserved his bragging rights. His face would light up when he talked about his children Kellye Loving (Jeff) of Corpus Christi, Shawn Simpson (David) of Portland, Andrew Hawkins of Victoria and Lane (Jill) Hawkins of Victoria; grandchildren James (Chastidy) Loving, Kasey Continho (Petros); Amanda Simpson (Marc), Lindsey Hawkins and Holly Hawkins ; great grandchildren Skylar, Liam, Lilly Ann, Cayson and Cooper.

In addition to his wife Dee Dee and his daughters, sons and their families, he is survived by his sister Barbara Skipper of Victoria; nephews Shan (Dede), Scott (Sheila) Skipper and their families; brother Lynn (Marie) Cornelius and niece Danielle Bunch of Boerne, Texas. And last, but not least, his loving furry companion, Bogie, who brought him comfort and joy.

Max's Christian faith remained his strength as a member of Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, 4102 N. Ben Jordan where his Memorial service will be held Saturday, August 27, 2022 at 11:00 AM. There will be a time of visitation from 10:00 - 11:00 am. Reception and lunch to follow.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the Doctors, Nurses and Staff at Citizens Hospital for their loving care and kindness.

Memorials may be made to Our Saviour's Lutheran Church or to any Pet Shelter.

Thoughts and memories may be shared online at www.gracefuneralhome.net. 
Arrangements and services under the personal care of Grace Funeral Homes & Cemeteries.